Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Washington Wizards
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Washington Wizards will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Verizon Center.
Kevin Durant tossed in a game-high 40 points to lead the Thunder over the Nets 105-89 on Monday. The Thunder easily covered the 5.5-point spread, while the combined 194 points went UNDER the posted total of 195.5.
Nenad Krstic added 19 points for the Thunder, and Russell Westbrook had 16 in the victory.
Gilbert Arenas collected a game-high 30 points in the Wizards 116-111 overtime loss to the Grizzlies last time out. The Wizards were five-point underdogs in that game, while the game's combined score sailed OVER the posted total of 208.
Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison had 24 points apiece in the loss.
Current streak:
Oklahoma City has won 3 straight games.
Washington has lost 2 straight games.
Team records:
Oklahoma City: 16-14 SU, 19-11 ATS
Washington: 10-19 SU, 11-18 ATS
Oklahoma City most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Utah are 2-8
After playing New Jersey are 6-4
After a win are 4-6
Washington most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 5-5
Before playing San Antonio are 5-5
After playing Memphis are 5-5
After a loss are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
Oklahoma City is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Oklahoma City's last 9 games when playing Washington
Oklahoma City is 3-9 SU in its last 12 games when playing Washington
Oklahoma City is 3-10-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Washington
Washington is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Washington is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Oklahoma City
Washington is 9-3 SU in its last 12 games when playing Oklahoma City
Washington is 10-3-1 ATS in its last 14 games when playing Oklahoma City
Next up:
Oklahoma City home to Utah, Thursday, December 31
Washington home to San Antonio, Saturday, January 2
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Philips Arena.
The Cavaliers defeated Houston 108-83 as an 8-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (192).
LeBron James scored 29 points for Cleveland and Mo Williams added 20 points in the win.
The Hawks flew out to a 13 point lead en route to a convincing 110-98 victory over the Pacers on Saturday. The Hawks covered the 6.5-point spread, and the 208 points made it OVER the posted total of 203.5.
Al Horford poured in 25 points and hauled down 19 rebounds for a double-double in leading the Hawks. Joe Johnson added 24 points, and Josh Smith netted 22 in that win.
Current streak:
Cleveland has won 4 straight games.
Team records:
Cleveland: 24-8 SU, 17-15 ATS
Atlanta: 21-8 SU, 21-8 ATS
Cleveland most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Atlanta are 8-2
After playing Houston are 9-1
After a win are 8-2
Atlanta most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 7-3
Before playing Cleveland are 6-4
After playing Indiana are 6-4
After a win are 5-5
A few trends to consider:
Cleveland is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Cleveland is 9-1 SU in its last 10 games
Cleveland is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games on the road
Cleveland is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Atlanta is 12-2 SU in its last 14 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
The total has gone OVER in 5 of Atlanta's last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 8-2 SU in its last 10 games
Next up:
Cleveland home to Atlanta, Wednesday, December 30
Atlanta at Cleveland, Wednesday, December 30
New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons
The New York Knicks and the Detroit Pistons will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Knicks lost to San Antonio 05-88 as a 3.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (198).
David Lee led New York with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Al Harrington had 19 points.
The Pistons lost to Toronto 102-95 as a 4-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (193.5).
Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon each netted 15 points for the Pistons in the loss.
Current streak:
New York has lost 2 straight games.
Detroit has lost 7 straight games.
Team records:
New York: 11-19 SU, 14-16 ATS
Detroit: 11-19 SU, 14-15-1 ATS
New York most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing New Jersey are 3-7
After playing San Antonio are 7-3
After a loss are 4-6
Detroit most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Chicago are 4-6
After playing Toronto are 3-7
After a loss are 2-8
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New York's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New York's last 5 games when playing Detroit
New York is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing Detroit
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New York's last 6 games on the road
Detroit is 11-2 SU in its last 13 games when playing at home against New York
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Detroit's last 5 games when playing New York
Detroit is 5-2 SU in its last 7 games at home
Detroit is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games at home
Next up:
New York at New Jersey, Wednesday, December 30
Detroit home to Chicago, Thursday, December 31
Indiana Pacers vs. Chicago Bulls
The fans at United Center will be treated to a game between the Indiana Pacers and the Chicago Bulls when they take their seats on Tuesday.
The Pacers lost to Miami 114-80 as an 8.5-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (196).
Troy Murphy led Indiana with 16 points and Tyler Hansbrough had 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Five players reached double figures for the Bulls Saturday, as they rode past the Hornets 96-85. The Bulls covered the 2.5-point spread, while the teams played UNDER the posted total of 190.
Joakim Noah collected a double-double with 17 points and 18 rebounds in that win.
Current streak:
Indiana has lost 6 straight games.
Team records:
Indiana: 9-20 SU, 11-18 ATS
Chicago: 11-17 SU, 9-17-2 ATS
Indiana most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 4-6
Before playing Memphis are 5-5
After playing Miami are 2-8
After a loss are 2-8
Chicago most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Detroit are 5-5
After playing New Orleans are 8-2
After a win are 4-6
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Indiana's last 6 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Indiana's last 5 games when playing Chicago
Indiana is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
Chicago is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Chicago is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Chicago's last 5 games when playing Indiana
Chicago is 5-2 ATS in its last 7 games when playing at home against Indiana
Next up:
Indiana home to Memphis, Wednesday, December 30
Chicago at Detroit, Thursday, December 31
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Minnesota Timberwolves and the San Antonio Spurs will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at AT&T Center.
The Timberwolves dominated the fourth quarter in a 101-89 win over the Wizards on on Saturday, as 2.5-point underdogs. The combined 190 points went UNDER the posted total of 206.5.
Corey Brewer tossed in a game-high 27 points to go with seven rebounds, while Kevin Love had 14 points and six rebounds.
The Spurs defeated New York 95-88 as a 3.5-point favorite on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (198).
Tony Parker scored 22 points for San Antonio and Manu Ginobili added 17 points in the win.
Current streak:
Minnesota has won 2 straight games.
San Antonio has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Minnesota: 7-24 SU, 15-15-1 ATS
San Antonio: 17-11 SU, 14-13-1 ATS
Minnesota most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Utah are 1-9
After playing Washington are 3-7
After a win are 2-8
San Antonio most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 3-7
Before playing Miami are 8-2
After playing New York are 7-3
After a win are 7-3
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing San Antonio
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Minnesota's last 5 games when playing on the road against San Antonio
Minnesota is 7-2 ATS in its last 9 games on the road
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing at home against Minnesota
San Antonio is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games
San Antonio is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Next up:
Minnesota home to Utah, Wednesday, December 30
San Antonio home to Miami, Thursday, December 31
New Orleans Hornets vs. Houston Rockets
The New Orleans Hornets and the Houston Rockets will both be trying to pick up a win on Tuesday when they battle at Toyota Center.
The Hornets lost 96-85 to the Bulls last time out, as 2.5-point underdogs. The teams played UNDER that game's posted total of 190.
Devin Brown led the Hornets with a game-high 22 points and hauled down four rebounds.
The Rockets lost to Cleveland 108-83 as an 8-point underdog on Sunday. The combined score fell UNDER the posted over/under total (192).
Aaron Brooks led Houston with 23 points and Tony Ariza netted 11 points.
Team records:
New Orleans: 13-15 SU, 12-16 ATS
Houston: 18-13 SU, 18-13 ATS
New Orleans most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Miami are 5-5
After playing Chicago are 5-5
After a loss are 6-4
Houston most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 8-2
Before playing Dallas are 8-2
After playing Cleveland are 7-3
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of New Orleans's last 5 games when playing Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games on the road
The total has gone UNDER in 7 of New Orleans's last 9 games when playing on the road against Houston
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Houston's last 5 games when playing New Orleans
Houston is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games at home
Houston is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Houston's last 5 games
Next up:
New Orleans home to Miami, Wednesday, December 30
Houston home to Dallas, Thursday, December 31
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Divisional bragging rights will be on the line on Tuesday when the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers meet at STAPLES Center.
Monta Ellis poured in a game-high 37 points to lead the Warriors to a 103-99 upset victory over the Bruins on Saturday. The Warriors won the game as 5.5-point underdogs, while the 202 points went UNDER the posted total of 210.
Anthony Randolph added 18 points for the Warriors, while Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette added 13 in the win.
Kobe Bryant poured in a game-high 34 points with seven rebounds in the Lakers 118-103 loss to the Suns last time out, as 1-point favorites. That game's 221 points made it OVER the posted total of 216.5.
Current streak:
Golden State has won 2 straight games.
Team records:
Golden State: 9-21 SU, 15-14-1 ATS
Los Angeles: 24-6 SU, 13-17 ATS
Golden State most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Portland are 7-3
After playing Boston are 4-6
After a win are 2-8
Los Angeles most recently:
When playing on Tuesday are 6-4
Before playing Sacramento are 9-1
After playing Phoenix are 8-2
After a loss are 9-1
A few trends to consider:
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Golden State's last 7 games on the road
The total has gone OVER in 17 of Golden State's last 24 games when playing LA Lakers
Golden State is 4-2 ATS in their last 6 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Golden State's last 9 games when playing on the road against LA Lakers
LA Lakers are 5-0 SU in their last 5 games when playing Golden State
LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games at home
LA Lakers are 11-1 SU in their last 12 games when playing at home against Golden State
LA Lakers are 17-3 SU in their last 20 games
Next up:
Golden State at Portland, Saturday, January 2
LA Lakers home to Sacramento, Friday, January 1
Cleveland (24-8, 17-15 ATS) at Atlanta (21-8 SU and ATS)
Two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference square off for the first time since an opening-round playoff series last spring, as the Hawks host the Cavaliers at Philips Arena.
Cleveland – playing its fifth road game in its last six contests – brings a four-game SU and ATS winning streak into Atlanta. The Cavaliers followed up a dominating 102-87 upset victory over the Lakers on Christmas Day with Sunday’s 108-83 destruction of the Rockets, cashing as an 8½-point home chalk. LeBron James’s crew has also won nine of its last 10 and 13 of its last 16, and it has matched its season high with four straight spread-covers (which comes on the heels of a 2-6 ATS slump).
The Cavaliers have cleared the century mark in all four games during their current win streak, averaging 109 ppg while holding the opposition to 91.3 ppg. Also, during their 10-1 SU run, the Cavs are 5-1 SU and ATS as a visitor, improving to 12-6 SU and ATS on the highway, with the SU winner cashing in all 18 of those games.
Atlanta returns home following a 2-2 SU and ATS road trip that ended with Saturday’s 110-98 rout at Indiana as a six-point visiting chalk. It marked the sixth time in the last nine games that the Hawks scored at least 110 points, and they won all six. Atlanta is 8-2 SU and ATS in its last 10 contests, including 4-0 SU and ATS at home. For the season, the Hawks are 12-2 SU and 11-3 ATS at Philips Arena.
The SU winner has covered the spread in 27 of Atlanta’s 29 games this year, including the last 16 in a row overall and the last seven in a row at home.
Cleveland swept the Hawks out of last year’s Eastern Conference playoffs, going 3-0-1 ATS, and the Cavs have won six in a row and eight of the last nine in this rivalry, going 4-1 SU in Atlanta. However, the Hawks covered in the final three regular-season meetings last year (2-0 ATS at home), all as an underdog. The host is 5-2-1 ATS in the last eight head-to-head matchups, but Cleveland is 8-3-1 ATS in its last 12 trips to Atlanta.
Although they’ve cashed in four in a row overall and five of six on the highway, the Cavaliers are just 1-5 ATS in their last six on Tuesday. Atlanta’s 21-8 ATS mark on the season is buoyed by additional pointspread runs of 25-10-2 at home, 15-7-1 against the Central Division, 4-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-0 when coming off two days’ rest.
For Cleveland, the under is on runs of 5-1 in Eastern Conference games, 10-4 on Tuesday, 38-14 when coming off a victory of more than 10 points and 39-16 after an ATS triumph. Conversely, Atlanta carries “over” trends of 5-2 overall, 10-2 at home, 6-1 versus the Eastern Conference and 4-1 against the Central Division. Finally, the under is 4-2 in the last six meetings between these teams, including 3-0 in Atlanta.
ATS ADVANTAGE: NONE
One Bounces Back
By SportsPic
A pair of teams off double digit losses hit Toyota Center hardwood when Rockets (18-13, 18-13 ATS) host Hornets (13-15, 12-16). The Rockets were spanked 108-83 in Cleveland in a game that saw King James and company hit 47.3% from the field while Rockets managed just 32.9% shooting. Rockets with three consecutive non-cover have conditions on their side to replenish betting accounts. Rockets are 13-4 ATS following a double digit loss, 7-2 ATS off a double digit road loss allowing =>45% shooting including a near perfect 4-1 ATS when the next game is on home court. As for Bugs, they were handed a 96-85 loss in Chicago where the team managed just 41.8% from the field while allowing Bulls to hit 46.2%. Hornets now 2-12 on the highway with a 5-9 record at the betting window enter 5-9 ATS the past fourteen trips into the dreaded Texas Triangle including 1-3 ATS last four into Houston. Despite current road woes there is a positive note, Hornets do have a history of responding after a double digit road loss in which they shot =45% of their field goal attempts. Sportsbooks have given Houston the nod opening Rockets -5 point favorites
NBA RoundUp For 12/29
By Dan Bebe
Cavaliers @ Hawks - Hawks by 2 with a total of 193.5. I have this sneaking suspicion that both of these teams win the road game. My capping doesn't come out that way, but sometimes you just get that gut sensation of what's going to happen. In any case, here comes Cleveland, on a truly colossal roll, having won and covered 4 straight games, starting with a victory in Phoenix, then wins in Sactown and LA, and at home over the Rockets in a potential letdown spot. It's not often we get to see Cleveland as a dog, but it has indeed happened a few times lately, and as an underdog the Cavs are a perfect 4-0 for big-time money line ticket-cashing, and I really see very little to make me think that won't become 5-0. I'm obviously not sold that Cleveland wins this game, but Atlanta is coming home off a 4-game road trip where they went a fairly pedestrian 2-2. They're certainly a much better team at home (almost 10 points better in final margin, in fact), but I think this team is showing some signs of slowing just a tad. I still think Atlanta is a very strong club, but Cleveland is playing inspired basketball, especially on the road, and I lean to the Cavs for an outright win. I also think this total could go up and Over, as the Hawks really push the tempo at home, and shoot the ball extremely well in their building. I'm going square beyond square here, but that's how it is, sometimes.
Thunder @ Wizards - Wizards by 2 with a total of 202.5. Two teams coming off a game the previous night. The Wizards lost in overtime in Memphis to the red-hot Grizzlies, and the Thunder dealt out a 16-point ass-kicking to the Nets. The Thunder continue to succeed at both home and on the road against low/mid-tier teams, and the Wizards continue to bounce between looking good one quarter, and looking bad the next. I think this line is pretty sharp in a lot of respects. Both teams are going to be tired, so that cancels out, and the Thunder are the better team, so after factoring in the home court, the Wizards are just barely the fave. I can't help but think the much more stressful OT loss is going to take its toll on the Wizards, who got another monster effort out of Gilbert Arenas, and again couldn't win a close game. If Washington can't win a close game, how are they going to win this one? That's the bottom line; sure, they can keep it within striking distance, but just check out the track record. The Wizards have won 10 games all season long, 3 of them by 5 points or less. The Wizards have lost 19 games, 8 by 5 points or less. That is an extremely telling stat, to go 3-8 in games decided by 5 points or less!? As a point of comparison, the Thunder are 3-4, so they're not playing in nearly as many, but they're close to a coin-flip in a close game. For my money, I'll take the better team with the points in a game that's basically a pick. I like the Thunder to keep rolling, and the Wizards to look tired. I also think this total is too high - I really like Russell Westbrook to give Arenas a harder time than did Mike Conley last night, and I think the Wizards are going to struggle to keep up.
Knicks @ Pistons - Pistons by 5.5 with a total of 188. Do my eyes deceive me? This line looks like the biggest Knicks-trap in the history of mankind. Are books truly telling me that the Knicks are 2.5 points worse than the Pistons on a neutral court? I don't buy that, not even for a second. Something is fishy here, and it smells like snapper. Just look at the numbers. The Pistons have lost 7 straight games; they have failed to cover in 7 straight games; they shot under 30% from the field in one of those games, I repeat, under THIRTY percent! Meanwhile, the Knickerbockers are 3-4 in their last 7 games, and while that doesn't sound all that good, they've been playing some tough competition, and have really upper their defensive intensity. Neither the Knicks nor their opponent have scored over 100 points in any of those 7 games, and this team is showing the ability to score and defend in the half court. Well, the Pistons have some pieces back, so they won't be afraid to play some half-court basketball, and I think this line is a trap. Let's wait and see where it moves off the opening number, but my guess would be we see the public going absolutely nuts for New York, and we'll watch, lie in the weeds, and jump when the getting's good. If this line isn't a trap, this is the greatest value I've ever seen on the Knicks. So really, if we can determine one way or the other, this game is either a Play of the Month on New York, or a one-unit wager on the Pistons to deal the trap-game blowout. I also think this total finally goes Over for the Knicks, now that the public is starting to adjust.
Pacers @ Bulls - Chicago by 5.5 with a total of 190. THIS 5.5-point home favorite line actually looks fair to me. Chicago, going back to the 17th of December, has actually looked like they give a crap, and aside from a 48-minute segment of time that started in the second half of the game with Sacramento and lasted until halftime of the game the following night in New York, the Bulls have played very well. Chicago beat the Knicks, Hawks and Hornets at home, covering the spread in all 3, and the return of Tyrus Thomas is going to drastically improve this team's defense, both on the exterior and near the bucket. This kid is an athletic freak, and truth be told, he's the only really solid high-flying type on this team, so he adds a new dimension to the offense, as well. This team is also a defense-first club, and against a lackluster team like the Pacers, I would expect a nice effort on that end, as well. The Pacers have lost 6 straight games, and they simply look unable to score without Danny Granger to help attack the rim with his athleticism, and fire from afar, too. Indiana, supposedly a fast-paced team, hasn't broken 100 points since December 16th, and I wouldn't be surprised to see them come in with a mid-80's performance again here. I lean to the home team to cover, and I lean to the Under in what should be another opportunity for the Bulls to flex a little muscle and try to salvage the the first half of this NBA season.
Hornets @ Rockets - Houston by 5 with a total of 193. The Rockets return home off a fairly unproductive road trip, losing big in both Orlando and Cleveland, and coming away with a hard-fought win in New Jersey. Make no mistake, this isn't a terribly good spot for Houston. They have played to the Under in all 3 road games, which isn't surprising, as the Rockets are 7-12 O/U on the road, 7-5 at home O/U. So, be careful before jumping on the Under here just because Houston's games have been a little lower-scoring than you may expect. The Hornets have played to 6 consecutive Unders, and if you don't think oddsmakers and bettors are going to catch on, well, wake up. I'm not saying this is the one that goes Over, but just be careful before blindly following trends. The Hornets have really worked hard to slow games down under their new head coach, and they've only broke 100 points this month was a home win (ATS loss) against the Warriors. So, let's say the Hornets do not break 100 -- what are the odds this game stays Under 193. I'd say decent, but I also think this number is fairly accurate. The difference in this game is going to be whether Houston suffers the trademark first-game-home sluggish quarter. I lean to the Hornets despite their road issues, as they are going to be well-rested, and I think they can take an early lead, and keep this game close until the end.
Timberwolves/Spurs - Spurs by 12 with a total of 198.5. That is a sizable chunk of change right there, 12 points, though the Spurs really seem to be playing good ball lately. The Spurs won both games on their recent road trip, displaying solid offense, and even more impressively, solid defense, always the key to a San Antonio surge. However, this is a pretty easy spot for the Spurs to kind of overlook their competition. They host Miami next, so that's a slightly bigger game, and I'm just curious how the Spurs handle a Minnesota team that strikes fear into one club in the NBA, the Utah Jazz. To their credit, the Wolves have won, and covered, 2 straight games, winning on the road in Jersey, and then at home over the Wizards, once again dominating the glass in both wins. That is always the key for the Wolves - can they outrebound their opponents? When they do, they're generally pretty successful, and I think this game will be a test for them. Kevin Love and Al Jefferson do a great job in the paint, but Tim Duncan is the master of getting position underneath, and I worry that he may get one of Minnesota's two big men in foul trouble. Bottom line, I think the Spurs win this game, but I'm just not sure that they can do so by 13 points. There is definitely value on the Minnesota side, but these huge spreads usually get dismissed pretty early in the day. That total looks extremely high for the Spurs, but I think we might actually see this one go up and Over, with the Wolves pushing the pace, and the Spurs a very solid home-shooting club.
Warriors @ Lakers - Lakers by 11.5 with a total of 220.5. A high-octane contest here, to say the least! You think the Warriors aren't happy to have some healthy bodies back in the mix, how about back-to-back wins over the Suns and Celtics. Those were at home, though, and the Warriors are a different bird, a poorer-shooting bird, on the road. This side is just too huge, and I'm not sure I can advocate a play on either side, given the Lakers are coming home off a loss, but with momentum on the side of the Warriors, and the Lakers biggest star battling 3 nagging injuries, and a few other Lakers battling slumps, I just have to lean to the Warriors without getting into all the details. Something to be aware of, though, is that the Lakers have owned the Warriors, going 6-3 ATS against the speedsters from the North. This side feels like a no-play. Then, check out that total. It looks awfully high, and there should be some fatigue in this one with both teams playing the night before and both teams traveling. I lean to the Under, though I often find it tough to play totals when teams like these go head to head. They have a history of Overs, slightly, but this is the lowest total these teams have had in the last 5 meetings, and that has to mean something. Oddsmakers don't make mistakes very often, not on games featuring such a high profile team as the Lakers, and hence my lean to the Under.
Trend Report - Tuesday
By Ed Meyer
Pacers at Bulls - The Pacers are 0-7 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since May 17, 2005 as a road dog with at least one day of rest after a double digit loss in which they had more turnovers than assists. The Bulls are 7-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since March 26, 2006 after playing the Hornets. The Bulls are 6-0 ATS (11.7 ppg) since February 22, 2006 as a favorite with at least one day of rest after a double digit win in which they controlled at least 60% of the available rebounds.
Cavaliers at Hawks - The Cavaliers are 9-0 ATS (8.3 ppg) since May 21, 2007 on the road after a double digit win in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Cavaliers are 0-6-1 ATS (-11.0 ppg) since December 30, 2003 as a dog after a double digit win in which they outshot their opponent by at least 10 percent. The Hawks are 0-7 ATS (-8.7 ppg) since November 14, 1997 after a road win against the Pacers. The Hawks are 6-0 ATS (11.0 ppg) since January 26, 1996 at home with at least one day of rest after a game on the road in which they had five or fewer offensive rebounds.
Warriors at Lakers - The Warriors are 0-9 ATS (-6.7 ppg) since November 27, 1995 on the road when they had at least ten refereed turnovers in each of their last two games. The Warriors are 0-8 ATS (-5.6 ppg) since January 16, 2008 as a dog after a win in which their DPS was negative. The Lakers are 7-0 ATS (7.1 ppg) since January 05, 2000 at home with no rest after a game on the road in which the percentage of their baskets that were assisted was at least ten percentage points lower than their season-to-date average.
Knicks at Pistons - The Knicks are 8-0 ATS (10.2 ppg) since April 16, 2006 on the road with at least one day of rest after a home loss in which they allowed at least 50% from the field. The Pistons are 0-6 ATS (-7.1 ppg) since December 29, 2006 after a game on the road in which they scored at least 25 more points than in the game before.
Hornets at Rockets - The Hornets are 0-8 ATS (-6.4 ppg) since February 13, 2008 on the road when they have a revenge game at home next. The Hornets are 8-0 ATS (9.6 ppg) since March 12, 1999 on the road with at least one day of rest after a double digit road loss in which they scored less than 15% of their points from the free throw line. The Rockets are 8-0 ATS (9.8 ppg) since December 20, 2004 with at least one day of rest off a road loss in which they led by 10+ points.
Timberwolves at Spurs - The Timberwolves are 10-0 ATS (12.4 ppg) since November 08, 2008 as a road dog after a game in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line. The Timberwolves are 0-8 ATS (-8.3 ppg) since December 30, 2006 as a dog after a home win in which their DPS was negative.
Thunder at Wizards - The League is 0-9 ATS (-9.8 ppg) since January 07, 2009 as a road dog with no rest after a double digit win in which they scored more than 25% of their points from the free throw line. The Wizards are 7-0 ATS (11.5 ppg) since November 25, 2008 at home after a road loss in which their DPS was positive.